Tribe ESX-1 won't send patch changes via MIDI in song mode

[orbytnz]

Hi! Anybody had this issue? - found a solution? My ESX-1 will change patches on my Roland GP-8 via MIDI when manually changing patterns using the ESX-1 edit value dial, but in song mode no patch change is sent (damn!) I also haven't come across any way in the 'tribe manuals, or forums etc to define which patch number on a slaved MIDI device is selected when the ESX-1 pattern is changed.
Clues on this one too? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

The only workaround I can think of is to copy the patches on the external device to match the order dictated by the ESX-1 (i.e. sequential starting from 1...) which is far from ideal...

On a brighter note, I'm successfully syncing my ESX & EMX 'tribes via MIDI out & thru to my Boss BR1600 enabling multi track recording of 2 bass tracks from the ESX & 5 synth parts from the EMX, as well as the drum/percussion/stretch/slice parts too. This was all pretty damn easy - but now I'm stuck on the MIDI patch change scenario...

[thesigma]

The tribes weren't really meant to be aster controllers as you want, they will only send a fixed PC message for the pattern, on two banks. A1-A64 and B1-B64 are bank 0, and C1-C64 and D1-D64 are bank 1, if I recall correctly.

Never use song mode so I'm not sure about that issue but it sounds like you may be out of luck.

You might look at MIDI solutions for a box that can translate program changes.

[orbytnz]

OK, thanks heaps for your reply sigma! Now I'm wondering what chance I might have contacting Korg & requesting implementation of a patch change send message via MIDI in song mode - doesn't sound like Korg do many, if any, firmware updates on their older generation machines - such a shame as a few minor tweaks & inclusions could make them that much more flexible & usable in a wider context. You'd like to think that incorporating end-user suggestions would be the best way to evolve the interface & improve & broaden their products' appeal & relevance.
Pleased the syncing is pretty solid though, I'd be seriously disappointed if they didn't keep track with each other, & other gear via MIDI.
Surprised you haven't explored or used song mode - it's an easy way to chain patterns to achieve a much more varied continuum when jam-tweaking, or to create an intro-[verse-chorus]repeat...-outro structure for a more traditional piece or cover song.
Thanks again!
regards,
B

[thesigma]

I'm more the pattern set type!

I would not expext korg to even respond to any request forupdates on such an old unit, just look at the wall of silence on the E2/e2S...

Just go get some other sequencer to be a master. MMT-8's are dirt cheap.